Magnesium deficiency
Yellowing between the veins of older leaves while the veins stay green. Very common in coco and with soft or RO water.
Symptoms
- Yellowing between the veins of older, lower leaves while the veins stay green.
- Patches may turn brown or rusty later.
- Spreads upwards if not corrected.
Quick checks
How to fix it
- 1Check
Correct pH
Check the basics first: feed and run-off pH (5.5–6.5), EC for this week, watering, climate and light. Keep pH above 5.8 in coco and hydro.
- 2Feed
Add Mag Cal
Use Mag Cal at 1 ml per litre with every feed in coco or with soft or RO water.
- 3Monitor
Judge by new growth
Give it 3–5 days. Leaves that have already yellowed won't green up fully.
Likely causes
- Coco holding on to magnesium.
- Soft tap water or RO water.
- pH too low, especially below about 5.8 in coco and hydro.
- Cold or waterlogged roots.
What to avoid
- Don't confuse it with iron (newest leaves) or nitrogen (even yellowing).
- Don't add several supplements at once.
Prevention
- Mag Cal every feed in coco, soft or RO water.
- pH in range, calibrated pen.
Monkey products that can help

Mag Cal
Magnesium sits at the heart of chlorophyll; Mag Cal is made for coco and soft or RO water.
1 ml per litre (10 ml per 10 L), for coco and for soft or RO water.
View product →Products support a healthy plant. They don't replace fixing the cause.
When to get help
If yellowing keeps spreading after a week of correct pH and Mag Cal, email info@monkeynutrients.co.uk with photos and your readings.
Email info@monkeynutrients.co.ukRelated problems
Sources
Advice is general guidance from Monkey Nutrients and UK horticultural sources. Always read product labels.
